Apply for a License (Drivers 18+) in Connecticut

SUMMARY: How to Apply for a Connecticut Driver's License

To apply for your driver's license, you must visit a CT DMV office and pass your road test. You will need to have held your learner's permit for at least 90 days and be able to pay the testing and driver's license fees.

Continue reading this page for complete instructions on obtaining your first Connecticut driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

NOTE: If you're younger than 18 years old, please see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Connecticut page.

REAL IDs in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles now issues both federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses as well as non-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license allows you to use your license as approved identification for activities such as boarding an airplane or entry into federal and military buildings.

Most licenses issued will be verified REAL IDs, but if you don't qualify, you'll receive a non-compliant license—details are outlined below.

New to Connecticut?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

If you're new to Connecticut, you will need to transfer your out-of-state driver's license to the state within 90 days. You will be eligible for a transfer as long as your driver's license hasn't been expired for longer than 2 years.

NOTE: If you're under 18 years old or have an out-of-state driver's license that has been expired for more than 2 years, please follow the application instructions on our Driver's Permits page.

To obtain a CT driver's license, visit your local CT DMV office and:

  • Application fee: $40.
  • Driver's license fee: $84.
  • Municipality processing fee (if applicable): Up to $8.

Types of CT Driver's Licenses

The Connecticut DMV offers the following types of driver's licenses:

  • Non-commercial driver's license.
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL).

The non-commercial driver's license has various endorsements that you can apply for, such as a motorcycle endorsement.

In addition to the above driver's licenses, the CT DMV also issues the following driving permits:

Eligibility Requirements for a Driver's License

To be eligible for a Connecticut driver's license, you must have:

  • Held a CT learner's permit for at least 90 days. (See our Driver's Permit page for application instructions.) You will be exempt from this rule if you:
    • Are stationed out of state on military duty and can show your military order and military ID card.
      OR
    • Have held a driver's license before and can submit your expired license or driving abstract.
  • Completed a safe driving practices course. Can be completed at some:

Want a REAL ID License?

In addition to the above eligibility requirements, to get a REAL ID-compliant/verified driver's license, you must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Apply for a CT Driver's License

NOTE: Before applying for a driver's license in Connecticut, make sure you have met the eligibility requirements.

When you're ready to apply for your Connecticut driver's license, make an appointment for your road test by calling the CT DMV at:

  • (860) 263-5700 (Hartford or out-of-state).
  • (800) 842-8222 (all other CT locations).

Before you head to the Connecticut DMV hub office to take your test, make sure you have the following items with you:

  • CT learner's permit OR expired driver's license/driving abstract.
    • If you did not submit acceptable documents for a REAL ID when you got your permit, you have the option of doing so now. Review the list of acceptable documents from the CT DMV.
  • Vehicle registration certificate.
  • Insurance card.
  • Driver's education certificate.
  • Payment for the $84 license fee and $40 testing fee.
    • Note that some municipalities may also charge up to $8 for a processing fee.

You will need to provide your own registered and insured vehicle to complete the road test in.

About the Road Test

The DMV road test will evaluate your ability to:

You will also be tested on basic driving skills and your ability to interact with other motorists on the road.

If you fail the driving test, you will need to wait at least 14 days before re-taking it.

Forms

R-229
Application for Non-Commercial Learners Permit and or Drivers License
The Department of Motor Vehicles' application for a non-commercial Connecticut learner's permit OR driver's license.
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